AS PLODDINGLY AS this Major League Baseball offseason has proceeded, with dozens of veterans still unsigned while spring training rapidly approaches, it's worth understanding: This is not new. Just over half a decade ago, the free agent market was even slower -- and, for players, far worse.
Three weeks before spring training in 2018, MLB remained at a complete standstill. Over the previous three months, teams had spent less than $700 million combined. The biggest deal belonged to veteran first baseman Carlos Santana for $60 million. A staggering 51 players signed deals between Jan.